Crime/Public Safety

Washington County Woman Sues Jackson Lab

(Bangor)  A Washington County woman has filed a federal lawsuit against her former employer, Jackson Laboratory, alleging the lab failed to do enough to stop a co-worker from sexually harassing her at work.  The Portland Press Herald reports the complaint states the woman notified a supervisor up to a dozen times after the co-worker began harassing her, but nothing was done to stop it.  The accused later faced criminal charges for allegedly putting a camera in a bathroom at the Bar Harbor lab to record the woman and other employees. The woman, who is not being identified because of the nature of the case, is reportedly seeking back pay, damages, and reinstatement.

US Coast Guard Creates Special Missions Command

(Washington, DC)  A sign, perhaps, of increasing concern about the country’s maritime vulnerability. The U.S. Coast Guard in a news release this week said it would be creating a new Special Missions Command to oversee its deployable specialized forces.  The team will reportedly enhance the operational effectiveness of the Coast Guard in responding to a range of national emergencies as the demand for such capabilities increase.  The SMC is to be commissioned on or around October 1st and will “forge our most elite operators into a single, razor-sharp instrument of national power.”  Maine has multiple Coast Guard stations, including in Jonesport, Southwest Harbor, Rockland, Belfast, and Eastport.  

Local Politics

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Settlement

(Undated)  It’s been a long time coming, but some six million eligible Blue Cross/Blue Shield customers who filed a claim against the insurance giant by a November 2021 deadline could begin receiving payments this month.  The payments are the result of a $2.67B class action lawsuit filed against Blue Cross/Blue Shield in 2013 that alleged the company violated antitrust laws by limiting market competition, leading to higher premiums and fewer options for customers.  The company denied the claims and the court failed to reach a final verdict; but the case was settled in 2020.  Claim notices have been mailed to customers, with the initial distribution of payments expected to begin this week.

ICE to Release Portland Teen

(Portland)  A Portland teen whose immigration case has drawn national attention is set to be released today.  The Portland Press Herald reports 19 yo Olivia Mabiala Andre has spent six months in detention after she, her mother and two siblings were taken into custody by U.S. Border & Customs protection on November 12th.  Andre’s mother and siblings were released last month.  A judge on Wednesday ordered Olivia’s release from an ICE detention facility no later than today.

Ranked Choice Voting

(Ellsworth)  If you live in Maine, you know the term Ranked Choice Voting.  But do we really know what it means and how it works?  The office of the Maine Secretary of State will be at the Ellsworth Public Library tomorrow, hosting a mock RCV election and information session.  It’s a chance to see Maine’s ranked-choice voting system in action before the June 9th Primary Election.  Library staff say no politics, no jargon, just a practice ballot, a walk-through of how votes are counted … and real answers from the people who run elections.  The free, non-partisan event is open to all ages; and while you don’t need to know a thing in order to show up, they say you’ll leave knowing enough.  That’s tomorrow from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Ellsworth Public Library.  Register ahead at ellsworth dot lib cal dot com.  

Education

Conners Emerson Class Uses World Events to Spur Kindness

(Bar Harbor)  The kids at Conners Emerson School in Bar Harbor haven’t turned a blind eye to the sometimes difficult events happening in the world.  Instead, they’ve decided to meet those challenges head on … with kindness.  The Mount Desert Islander reports a “friendship bench” that stood on their playground was discarded during construction of the new school building.  So they set a goal of raising money to buy a new friendship bench for the new playground.  They found one they liked online for just over $500 and set to work selling stickers, magnets, shirts, and other items sporting positive messages and snazzy artwork, meeting and then exceeding their goal.  The kids said they learned a lot about teamwork – including working through disagreements, making sure everyone’s voices were heard, and sharing work equally.  Hope for the future, indeed.

Health

Chronic Lyme Study

(Portland)  MaineHealth next week will begin enrolling patients in the second year of a clinical trial with a goal of studying why some who contract Lyme disease continue to have symptoms months or years after contracting the disease.  The Portland Press Herald writes for most patients, symptoms resolve after a course of antibiotics.  However, scientists estimate between 5 and 20% of patients develop chronic symptoms.  The study will work to learn which treatments will effectively alleviate the condition, often called chronic Lyme or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.  The current study will double the number of new patients enrolled, from 30 in 2025 to 60 this year.  Patients must be referred to the trial by their primary care provider to study centers in Rockport, Belfast, and three centers in the southern part of the state.  So far this year, the state has logged 526 cases of Lyme.  A record 4,257 cases were documented in 2025.

Infrastructure

Mother’s Day in Jonesport

(Jonesport)  Still unsure how to celebrate Mom this weekend?  If you live in the Jonesport area, kick it off tomorrow from 2 to 5, as the Jonesport Economic Development Committee and Select Board join townsfolk at a special area they’re improving for Moms… and Dads, and kids, and the entire town.  They’re looking at redevelopment of the tennis and basketball court property and surrounding area and want to share their vision with you!  They invite you to come celebrate the progress being made, ask questions, share your ideas, and connect with local businesses.  Community partners will also be on site.  Again, that’s Saturday, May 9th, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Bar Harbor Road Projects

(Bar Harbor)  It’s spring, and that means colorful orange cones are springing up everywhere.  Drivers may want to avoid Bar Harbor today if they can.  The Mount Desert Islander reports Mount Desert Street will be closed to through traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with traffic detoured via Spring Street and Shannon Way.  In addition, the eastbound lane of Mount Desert Street near the Jesup Memorial Library will be closed between 10 and 2 for other construction activities.  Flaggers will direct traffic around the library work zone.  Also remember, Bar Harbor paid parking begins again a week from today on May 15th.  Kiosks are in place, with paid parking enforced from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, and from Noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.  

Spring Fling Dance

(Columbia Falls)  After Saturday’s ball games tomorrow, get the kids out for a good time to hang out and dance!  Kids in grades 4 through 8 who live in the Columbia Falls area are invited to the Historic Union Hall for a Spring Fling Dance, May 9th from 6 to 8.  Cost is just $5 per person, and concessions will be for sale.  Entertainment by DJ L.Gray.  Presented by the Columbia Falls Union Hall Committee.  

Sullivan Spring Bike Rodeo

(Sullivan)  Saddle up those bikes and head to the Sullivan Recreation Park on Route One Saturday for a Spring Bike Rodeo, a full and safe riding event for kids.  From 11 to 1, enjoy biking, learning, and springtime fun – a bike safety skills course, helmet fittings and safety checks, fun obstacle courses, information on the rules of the road, plus prizes and giveaways.  There will be a food truck on site, as well as free car seat checks by Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Techs, sponsored by the Sullivan Fire Rescue.

Peacock Ponders Life on Deer Isle

(Deer Isle)  An Island Advantages reporter recently found himself tracking down an unusually colorful story on Deer Isle.  It seems talk at the local coffee hangout, 44 North, recently revolved around sightings of a peacock roaming the island.  Reporter Will Robinson writes he spent about 45 minutes looking for the elusive Male Indian Peafowl (its official name) without success.  The next day while driving to work in Stonington, he came upon something standing in the middle of the road.  Sure enough, it was the famous feathered foul, who looked at Robinson, then casually strolled across Route 15.  Robinson shot pictures as proof.  Where it came from, where it belonged, and why it crossed the road remain questions for another day.

Mother’s Day

(Undated)  Sunday is, of course, Mother’s Day.  We hope you remembered your Mom, grandmother, aunt, sister – every woman at some point is a mom, whether to a biological child, a student, or even a pet.  We did some research about the day’s origin and found it was officially established in the United States in 1908 by Anna Jarvis to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Jarvis campaigned for a dedicated day, leading President Woodrow Wilson to sign a proclamation in 1914.  Jarvis envisioned the day as a time for personal letters of gratitude and intimate family time.  She later grew disgusted with the commercialization of the holiday, even spending her final years and money campaigning to abolish it.  So make sure to give the women in your life a little extra time, a phone call, breakfast in bed, or another gift that expresses your sincere gratitude for all she does.

Brooklin Garden Club Distributes Daffodils

(Brooklin)  The daffodils are popping up, and the Brooklin Garden Club is using them to brighten the lives of hundreds of folks across the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle.  According to The Rising Tide, the group this week distributed more than 2600 of the sunny flowers to over 200 teachers and staff members at Sedgwick, Brooklin and Brooksville Elementary Schools, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.  Additional bouquets went to Healthy Peninsula’s and Simmering Pot’s weekly soup and bread delivery recipients, the Blue Hill Hospital, and a number of local town hall offices and libraries.  The club organizes similar deliveries every month during the growing season, although this month’s 200 vases set a record for most flowers delivered.

National News 05/08/26

Purported Epstein Suicide Note Released

(Washington, DC) Amid the distractions of the War in Iran, the proposed East Wing ballroom, and staggering inflation and oil prices, victims of accused sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein are urging folks not to forget their stories.  A federal judge this week ordered the release of a purported suicide note written by Epstein that had remained under court seal, as controversy continues over his 2019 death in a jail cell while awaiting trial.  The validity of the note is questionable, especially with all the evidence and victims willing to testify against Epstein.  In the note, Epstein reportedly claims they investigated him for months and (all caps) FOUND NOTHING.  While lawyers for Epstein’s former cellmate say they’ve authenticated the note, they’ve yet to offer further explanation, and no court or investigative agency has vouched for the note’s authenticity.

© 2026 Downeast Digest News.  All rights reserved.

Brooklin Garden Club